Mantis VC

Mantis VC is a venture capital firm co-founded by Alex Pall and Drew Taggart of The Chainsmokers, alongside General Partners Jeffrey Evans and Milan Koch. Established in 2019 and headquartered in Santa Monica, California, the firm specializes in early-stage investments across various sectors, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, fintech, and healthtech. Mantis VC has raised a total of $225 million across three funds, with its third fund closing at $100 million in July 2025. The firm has invested in over 170 startups, including notable companies like Chainguard, Underdog, and Dandy, with exits such as Coinbase and Rupa Health.

The firm's investment strategy focuses on providing $500,000 to $2 million in funding to early-stage companies, primarily in the United States and Europe. Mantis VC's portfolio spans a diverse range of industries, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, fintech, big data and analytics, climate tech, cloud technology, e-commerce, insurtech, IoT, proptech, SaaS, advertising (AdTech), health and wellness, creator economy, and marketing (MarTech). The firm's approach combines hands-on go-to-market support with the cultural influence of The Chainsmokers' global network, aiming to scale a founder-focused model that blends operational assistance with strategic guidance.

Mantis VC's leadership team includes experienced venture capital professionals and operators, with backgrounds in finance, technology, defense, and hospitality. The firm has expanded its investment team with the appointment of Gaurav Bhogale as Principal, AI and Infrastructure, joining cybersecurity lead Saveena Mandadi, healthcare lead Caroline Menkes, and investor and Head of Platform Steve O’Brien on the Mantis Investment Committee.